1,318Full Summary: Prince, dragonrider, spymaster, heir to the Iron Throne... Aeonar Targaryen had it all growing up: a loving family, friends, wealth, and a dragon. As he strived to prove his worth, no secrets tend to stay hidden for long while he has eyes and ears placed throughout every corner of the realm. But when the people he cared deeply about betray him, he strikes out on his own to leave his mark on the world - his accomplishments eventually earning him the nickname "the Young Dragon." Will he succeed? Or will he succumb to the curse that's plagued his family?
Author's Note: What would have happened if one of Viserys and Aemma's children before Rhaenyra was a son who was fortunate enough to survive? How would the House of the Dragon pan out? Also, considering how we haven't been given an official HBO timeline, some characters will be aged up, aged down or aligned to make certain players' date of birth exactly the same whereas others would be included from the book "Fire & Blood". Now I've done some OCs before, but this one will be my first Targaryen OC.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Song of Ice and Fire characters in the story or from George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood" novel and HBO's House of the Dragon. Only the OCs included are mine.
« "Fire and Blood." These are the words of the most powerful dynasty the world has ever seen since the Doom of Old Valyria. My family – House Targaryen.
Roughly one hundred years ago, my ancestors invaded Westeros and began a campaign to bring about the end of the seven independent squabbling kingdoms and bring them to heel under one nation, one realm, one king. Those who bent the knee and swore fealty to Aegon Targaryen would keep their lands and titles; those who took up arms would be thrown down, humbled and destroyed. Before long, we had conquered six of the seven kingdoms and forged the Iron Throne from the blades of Aegon's fallen enemies. Thus, the dragonlords of Old Valyria became kings of this new land.
However, the realm suffered under King Maegor. I'm told his reign was a brutal one. Many took up arms against us, the Faith had condemned us for our ancient traditions, and our rule nearly collapsed. It took the wisdom of my great-grandfather, King Jaehaerys the Conciliator, to repair the damage and usher in a golden age.
Thanks to the Doctrine of Exceptionalism, House Targaryen has enjoyed nearly half a century of relative peace and prosperity. All as it should have been. It was also during this period that I was born. So why am I telling you this? Well, it's best you pay attention and maybe you'll at least understand what made me what I am today.
This is how my story began. »
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Cast:
• Michael Carter as King Jaehaerys I Targaryen: The old King of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm whose almost 60-year reign became synonymous with peace and prosperity. Responsible for building the kingsroad, creating a unified system of laws and ending the Faith Militant uprising, he is fondly remembered as "Jaehaerys the Conciliator" and one of the best kings the Targaryen dynasty has ever produced. When tragedy claims his sons Aemon and Baelon, the line of succession becomes unclear - leading the Old King to call upon a Great Council to choose a new heir and resolve the matter peacefully.
• Viggo Mortensen as Prince Baelon Targaryen: Fourthborn child and third son of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Queen Alyssane. When his older brother Prince Aemon died, he became the new Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne. A dragonrider, he claimed the dragon Vhagar - one of the last remaining dragons from the days of Aegon's conquest. He became Hand of the King to his father, but died of appendicitis five days later.
• Paddy Considine as King Viserys I Targaryen: Son of Prince Baelon and his sister-wife Princess Alyssa, grandson of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. A warm, kind and descent man, his main focus is on the well-being of his children and carrying on his grandfather's legacy. When his father unexpectedly dies, Viserys becomes one of the two main candidates to succeed the Old King Jaehaerys as heir to the Iron Throne.
• Sian Brooke as Queen Aemma Arryn: The first wife of Viserys Targaryen and mother of Aeonar and Rhaenyra. Originally hailing from House Arryn of the Vale, she is half-Targaryen due to her mother Princess Daella being Prince Baelon's younger sister - thus making her and Viserys first cousins. Although successful in giving her husband an heir, she felt duty-bound to help keep the Targaryen bloodline perpetuated - though it cost her several miscarriages and stillborns.
• Alexander Skarsgård as Prince Aeonar Targaryen: Viserys Targaryen and Aemma Arryn's eldest son and firstborn child. Dedicated to the Targaryen dynasty's best interests and with a vast spy network spanning two continents at his disposal, both the nobles and smallfolk respect and fear him. Ambitious and determined to prove his worth, Aeonar's talents soon earn him a position on the small council as Master of Whisperers. Like his family, he is a dragonrider claiming Vaelor - the fastest dragon in the Seven Kingdoms - as his own.
• Lino Facioli as a young Prince Aeonar Targaryen
• Emma D'Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen: Viserys Targaryen and Aemma Arryn's second child and only daughter. Strong-willed and independent, she was known as "the Realm's Delight" amongst the nobility and commoners during her youth. Having a strong bond with her uncle and older brother, Rhaenyra is fiercely protective of them if not confrontational when push comes to shove. A dragonrider herself, her mount is the young she-dragon Syrax.
• Milly Alock as a young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
• Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen: Viserys's charismatic, yet unruly younger brother and Commander of the City Watch of King's Landing who doesn't care what anyone thinks of him. A fierce and unpredictable warrior, he wields Dark Sister - one of House Targaryen's two Valyrian steel swords. A dragonrider, Daemon rides Caraxes, a battle-hardened serpent-like dragon known as the Blood Wyrm.
• Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower: A knight from Oldtown, one of Westeros's influential families with deep ties to the Faith of the Seven and Order of Maesters. He was appointed Hand of the King following the death of Prince Baelon Targaryen and served two kings as their powerful advisor. A cunning political actor with ambition, haughty, blunt, and domineering, Otto frequently clashes with Lord Corlys and considers Viserys's younger brother Prince Daemon as a tyrant in waiting.
• Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower: Daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King. Growing up within the halls of the Red Keep, she has been well-acquainted with both Prince Aeonar and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen since childhood - developing a strong friendship with Rhaenyra and a romantic relationship with Aeonar. As such, Alicent is close with the members of the royal family.
• Emily Carey as a young Alicent Hightower
• Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon: The Lord of the Tides, Master of Driftmark, Master of Ships and Lord Admiral of the Royal Fleet. He is married to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Viserys's older cousin. Known as "the Sea Snake", he is a renowned explorer famous for his nine voyages across the Narrow Sea to distant lands which made him one of the richest and most powerful men in the Seven Kingdoms - surpassing even the Lannisters of Casterly Rock. A shrewd man with a no-nonsense attitude, Corlys often disagrees with Viserys about his approach but remains loyal to the Targaryen dynasty.
• Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen: Daughter of Prince Aemon Targaryen, eldest grandchild of King Jaehaerys I the Conciliator and Viserys's cousin. She is the wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon and the mother of their two children, Laena and Leanor. When both her father and uncle Prince Baelon died, Rhaenys becomes one of the two main candidates to succeed the Old King Jaehaerys as heir to the Iron Throne. Despite being the only child of her grandfather's first son, she was passed over due to her gender. For this, she became known as "the Queen Who Never Was." An astute political observer and dragonrider, Rhaenys rides the dragon Meleys.
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YEAR 95 AC
King's Landing, capital of the Seven Kingdoms...
A long time ago, when the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros enjoyed several decades of peace and prosperity under the reign of the Old King, Jaehaerys I Targaryen. Having long since ridden themselves of the Faith Militant uprising and enactment of the Doctrine of Exceptionalism, the Targaryen dynasty flourished. But with every joy, there were also great tragedies as well. Three years prior, the Old King's son Prince Aemon died - killed by Myrish pirates on Tarth during the Myrish Bloodbath. Although they were successful in eliminating the invaders, it would not bring Aemon back to life. For days, having lost his best friend, Prince Baelon mourned his brother.
But then came the Second Quarrel between King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne when he controversially chose to name Baelon the new Prince of Dragonstone and heir instead of their granddaughter Princess Rhaenys. Furious that a woman was once again passed over, the Good Queen did not speak to the king for the following two years until they reconciled at the behest of their daughter, Princess Maegelle. The most vocal of such disapproval came from Rhaenys's maternal uncle, Lord Boremund Baratheon, and her husband, Lord Corlys Velaryon. For them, such an insult would not be forgotten; for others, time would mend most wounds... maybe.
By the ninety-fifth year after Aegon's Conquest, the time for petty internal grudges was put on hold. For on the hour of the first day of the Festival of the Mother came the moment when the first child of Viserys Targaryen and Aemma Arryn would be born. An army of midwives led by Grand Maester Runciter and his assistant Mellos had already gathered into the birthing chamber to begin the delivery, not allowing any unauthorized personnel entry until the birth was complete.
« It's been ninety-five years since Aegon's Conquest, and the exact date of my birth. The screams you hear? Those belonged to my mother, Aemma of House Arryn. Although their marriage was arranged when they were young, both she and my father had developed a mutual bond of love and respect. I guess you could say I grew up lucky to have them as my parents. At least that's what I thought at first too. But time changes people in ways we least expect it... as well as insinuating circumstances we cannot control or avoid. »
Yet, for one Targaryen, as he heard the loud and painful screams emanating from the other side, the suspense was too much for him to bear and he demanded entry.
"Aemma!" Viserys exclaimed with a look of concern on his face.
« And there he is. That's my father. Viserys Targaryen. A plump and pleasant man, yes, I know. Though he was certainly that way since House Targaryen ruled over a time of peace and plenty due in no small part to my great-grandfather. Not that I would blame him for being soft, of course. There were no wars to fight, no conflicts to resolve... As a child, I grew up idolizing my father. I thought he had it all figured out. He was a good man, he loved us and made sure we were given the best of everything.
Yet even good men make mistakes from time to time. »
"AUUUUUU! OOOOOOOOOOH!" Aemma wailed in agony.
For Aemma, who laid on the childbed with her legs spread apart and propped up and bearing down to push again, this discomfort was hurting her terribly. She was in excruciating pain and was drenched with sweat from head to toe. It was her duty to give her husband an heir, of course, but the process of trying to provide one was tedious and difficult for her. Before this pregnancy, she had endured the loss of one child that died in the cradle and had suffered a stillbirth. Although Viserys was comforting Aemma in her grief, she could not help but feel like she had failed twice now. She prayed to the seven Gods that the child she was giving birth to would survive.
"NNNNNNGGGGGGAH!"
"Aemma!" Viserys rushed to her side. "I'm here, Aemma."
"Viserys...! Help me, please! Please help me! Viserys!"
"Shhh, shhh. It's going to be all right. You're going to be all right, you hear?"
"It hurts! It hurts!"
"You're almost there, princess," Grand Maester Runciter said. Squatting at the edge of the bed looking down close to Aemma's vaginal lips. "You're doing a good job so far. Just keep pushing. We have to get the child out."
Aemma whined and howled loudly again. Gripping Viserys's hand with one hand and tightly holding the white cotton sheets with the other, Aemma clenched her teeth and pushed again with all her might. Wet nurses and Runciter's assistant Mellos scrambled all over the place; nurses dabbed her forehead to wipe away the sweat, another was getting more hot water, and Mellos was hurriedly concocting more medicinal vials to help deaden the pain without risking the child in the process.
"AAAAAAAAGHHH! NN-GHHH!" Gods, by the Mother, please answer my prayers. Let this child live. Please, let my child live... please!
"There it is! I can see the head!" Runciter announced.
Viserys turned towards Aemma. "You're doing good, Aemma! Our child is almost here! Just keep pushing!" he said as he tenderly massaged her hand.
Aemma looked exhausted. She wanted to give up but continued to fight this with every ounce of her strength her body could muster to deliver this child. Taking a deep breath, she shut her eyes and again pressed down clenching her teeth. She continuously felt the intense yet painful contractions spanning minutes of each other grow as the child within her womb slowly moved further down.
"That's it! Push! Push, push!"
"You're doing good, my lady!" One of the nurses exclaimed.
"Grab me more towels and some hot water!"
Runciter carefully gripped the side of the newborn's head and neck as Aemma's cunt stretched further apart to allow more of the babe to exit her womb; cautiously moving his hand to help pull the child out, the neck, the shoulders... Runciter again encouraged another push. With everything she could give and Viserys beside her, Aemma felt her tight opening spreading apart and continued to scream louder than any dragon's call. With each push, another penetration ensued. Each one feeling heavier and more painful than the last.
"NGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
With a final breath and pushing with every ounce of strength, Aemma screamed and suddenly felt a sudden emptiness before slumping onto the bed, exhaustion washing over her as she breathed heavily.
"*Waaah! Waah! Waaah!*"
"You did it, Aemma!" Viserys said with relief and joy. "You did it!"
The sound of tiny cries soon reached Aemma's ears. She instinctively raised her head and looked down to see Grand Maester Runciter holding the screeching newborn baby covered in vernix caseosa in his arms.
"Congratulations, you two. It's a boy."
Viserys smiled and swelled with joy. He finally had a son... and the child survived this time! He finally had a child of his own who survived. Aemma smiled weakly as she observed Mellos and the wet nurses cleaning her baby before cutting the umbilical cord. The Grand Maester felt the infant's eyes remain closed, constantly moving its arms and legs, and bobbing its head left and right ― exploring the surroundings of this strange new world for the first time. By the Gods, the baby had powerful lungs as he kept crying loudly! After taking time to clean the child, Runciter stood beside Viserys and Aemma laying in a slightly angled position to allow both parents to view the baby before gently passing the newborn to the mother.
Viserys took in the sight of Aemma and their son. Their eyes remained glued to their child as Aemma slowly opened her pale white gown and drew out a breast before guiding the newborn to her nipple so she could nurse him. She tenderly brushed a finger across her child's rosy cheek until she felt him latching on to her breast and began suckling.
"Oooh, Viserys," Aemma cooed wearily. "A son... we have a son..."
"Our son," Viserys kissed his wife's head. "He's so beautiful."
Moments later, the door to the room opened and revealed a visitor. Prince Baelon Targaryen, Viserys's father and Prince of Dragonstone. By the look on his face, he had received word that his first grandchild was born and came to see his son and daughter-in-law's triumphant moment. Seeing the two on the bed with the baby, the Spring Prince made his way over to them.
"Viserys! My son," Baelon boasted pridefully. "Nyke daor dohaeragon yn rȳbagon ao emagon nykeā tresy. Issa rijes nykeāōt naejot ao lanta. (I couldn't help but overhear that you have a son. My congratulations to you both.)"
"Kirimvose, kepa. (Thank you, father.)" Viserys replied. "Aemma se eman issare jehikagon ondoso se jaehossas pōntāla syt bisa kirimvose jēda. (Aemma and I have been blessed by the Gods themselves for this exciting moment.)"
"Emagon ao lanta iderennon va iā brōzi vasīr? (Have you two decided on a name yet?)"
Viserys and Aemma glanced at each other, then at their son who remained latched on to his mother's breast, then back towards Baelon.
"Aeonar," Viserys answered.
« Yes, that's me. Prince Aeonar Targaryen. That was the name my father and mother gave me. »
"Oh? That name sounds vaguely like Aenar the Exile. Surely you have no desire to send him away early because someone had a dream of the Doom, do you?"
"Father-in-law!" Aemma exclaimed horrified.
"Hahaha! Calm down, Aemma. I'm joking," Baelon chuckled. He then stood over the babe. "Now... introduce me to my first grandchild, Viserys."
Viserys looked at his newborn son. Eyes as pale as lilac, hair a rare color - rare even in Old Valyria: pale and shone like white gold. With one arm wrapped around Aemma and another placed around their son Aeonar, the young Targaryen prince held them close. The dream I had. It was clearer than a memory. Our son, Aemma, will soon wear Aegon's iron crown. I heard the sound of thundering hooves, splintering shields, and ringing swords, and I will soon place our son upon the Iron Throne as the bells of the Grand Sept tolled and all the dragons will roar as one. "My son," he whispered softly. "You have a great destiny laid before you. I know it. It was just like in my dreams."
« Ah yes, my father seemed convinced that his 'dreams' would speak truly... as if they had happened the way he 'prophesized' it. Many in House Targaryen grew to be dragonriders, but only an exceptional few became dreamers. Father fancied himself as one. »
"I'll send word for the Dragonkeepers," Baelon announced. "They will find a suitable dragon egg to place beside Aeonar's cradle." He turned to look at his grandson. "I feel he will become a dragonrider unlike any the world will ever see."
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YEAR 101 AC
―Harrenhal―
Six years later, things changed dramatically. Prince Baelon Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne, had suddenly passed away five days after his appointment as Hand of the King due to a burst appendix.
With his sister-wife Queen Alysanne and both their two elder sons dead, the very frail and old King Jaehaerys realized the line of succession was abruptly thrown into chaos and a civil war would soon erupt unless the matter was resolved. He needed a new heir... but it would be from amongst his grandchildren. As such, Jaehaerys called for a Great Council to convene at the ruined castle of Harrenhal in the Riverlands to choose a successor. Every lord of Westeros who attended, great or small, numbered in the thousands.
« In the year 101, my grandfather Prince Baelon died. I still remember that day. Around that time, the Old King Jaehaerys was slowly wasting away. His health was failing him. And without an heir, it led to a succession crisis. To prevent that, my great-grandfather summoned the lords and ladies of Westeros to assemble at Harrenhal to choose a new heir. »
For thirteen days, the final candidates came down to King Jaehaerys's eldest grandchildren: Prince Viserys, the firstborn son of Baelon, and Princess Rhaenys, daughter of Aemon. By traditional inheritance law of primogeniture - male-preference or gender-blind - if Rhaenys was passed over as heir then her claim would pass on to her son Laenor Velaryon. But as the eldest surviving male, Viserys was seen as a strong contender. Whatever the results, both Rhaenys and Viserys promised to accept whatever the Great Council decided.
Aeonar stood beside Viserys and Aemma, along with his four-year-old sister Princess Rhaenyra. Their mother was already visibly pregnant again by the time the Great Council was called, yet Aemma was still well enough to travel. This was Aeonar's first time venturing outside King's Landing and witnessing so many nobles gathering in one place. Of course, being six years old, he was still young and did not understand the purpose behind this Great Council - but somehow, he could not shake off this suspicious feeling that something was wrong.
« Fourteen succession claims were heard, but only two were truly considered: Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the King's eldest descendant, and my father, Prince Viserys Targaryen, the King's eldest male descendant. Yet only one would be chosen. »
Beside the Old King stood Ser Otto Hightower, Jaehaerys's new Hand of the King, and his daughter, Alicent. Having grown up in the Red Keep, Alicent, Aeonar, and Rhaenyra were best friends - always seen playing together in the royal gardens. All three were a tight-knit group and always looked out for each other.
Next to them, however, stood Princess Rhaenys Targaryen along with her husband, Lord Corlys Velaryon, and their children Laena and Laenor. Now Aeonar had heard stories of the Sea Snake's exploits as the most famed nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros whose bloodline was just as old as House Targaryen's, and he was excited to meet him for the first time but in person... Corlys seemed more intimidating, prideful, and arrogant. His wealth, fame, and reputation were thrown behind his wife's claim to the Iron Throne.
Rhaenys, meanwhile, was seen as an astute political observer. She had a lean, lined face and her black Baratheon hair was streaked with white. Though born a Targaryen, she wore an elegant cerulean gown donning the colors of the sea. Along with House Velayron's support, there was no doubt she also had the backing of House Baratheon, her mother's family. A dragonrider herself, Rhaenys fought in battle alongside her father and grandfather and was proven a leader in her own right. She was courteous around Aeonar, of course, considering the youth's age and a mother of two herself.
The Kingsguard, however, remained ever vigilant around the royal family. Led by the legendary Lord Commander Ser Ryam Redwyne, the Kingsguard ensured no harm would ever come to the Old King or any of his descendants.
Aeonar spotted two maesters approaching the steps, each one carrying a handle of a large, sealed chest before placing it down in front of King Jaehaerys. That must mean that all the votes must have been counted.
Once the chest had been opened, the Old King steadily reached inside and unveiled a scroll. Though his hands shook with age, Jaehaerys narrowed his eyes for a much closer look. The message entailed, The lords here assembled name Viserys of House Targaryen, son to Princess Alyssa and Prince Baelon, grandson of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone and rightful heir to the Iron Throne. "It is declared by all lords paramount and lords vassal of the Seven Kingdoms," he announced, "that Prince Viserys Targaryen be made Prince of Dragonstone."
Applause echoed loudly throughout the main hall as Viserys was officially elected by the nobility as King Jaehaerys's new heir by a wide margin of twenty to one. Aemma congratulated her husband, as did Aeonar and Rhaenyra.
« Rhaenys, a woman, would not inherit the Iron Throne. Instead, the lords chose Viserys... my father. »
As Aeonar finished congratulating his father, he turned to catch a brief glimpse of Rhaenys's throat tightening and her hands trembling with bitterness. Passed over for the throne twice, she begrudgingly accepted the results and turned to leave with an equally angry Lord Corlys and their two children. Aeonar somehow sensed that the results must have sowed the seeds of resentment and discord within House Targaryen's ranks.
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YEAR 105 AC
―King's Landing―
Red Keep ― Throne room...
It has been more than two years since King Jaehaerys I Targaryen died of old age. For almost 60 years, his reign brought peace and plenty to all in the Seven Kingdoms. Even the independent Principality of Dorne, who repelled numerous Targaryen attempts to conquer them, mourned the Old King's passing.
Since ascending the Iron Throne, one of King Viserys's first acts was to summon the lords and ladies of the realm into the throne room. For he was to officially designate his son, Prince Aeonar, as his heir. The colors of House Targaryen's banners hung from the gallery, dragon skulls decorated the columns, braziers were lit aflame, and four statues of past Targaryen kings were erected... from Aegon the Conqueror, Aenys the King Abomination, Maegor the Cruel, and now Jaehaerys the Conciliator.
Now a child of ten, Aeonar was getting dressed up for the upcoming ceremony. "Mother? What's father going to say?" he asked as Aemma adjusted his collar. He wore a black asymmetric tunic, a high-embroidered collar reminiscent of dragon scales. The outer coat is armless, fitting over a longer undercoat with close-fitting sleeves. The outer embossed leather, while sleeveless, does have prominent peaked shoulder-cuffs and the sleeves were crimson-red color. "He wasn't telling me anything. Did I do something wrong?"
Aemma finished fixing her son's clothes. "No. No, sweetling," she chuckled humorously. "Your father was hoping to spare you the details before the ceremony was set to commence, but I suppose Ser Otto was rather insistent the king name an heir to prevent another problem from arising again like it did when your great-grandfather was still alive."
"But I'm his heir, aren't I?"
"You are, darling. Don't get all nervous. You know your father and I love you and your sister dearly. No one would ever take your place. It's all just for show." Aemma wrapped the crimson cloak around Aeonar's shoulders. "There you go." She stood up. "Look at you. Ten years old. So handsome."
Aeonar blushed. "M-Mother," he scratched the back of his head embarrassed.
Accompanying Aemma, Aeonar and his sister Rhaenyra were brought to the throne room. Sitting atop the Iron Throne, a seat of power forged from the swords of Aegon the Conqueror's fallen enemies, sat a proud King Viserys. Placing one palm on one of the throne's sword pommels and holding the Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre in the other, he steadily rose to greet his family.
"Ah, there you are," Viserys greeted. "My children. My pride and joy."
"Sorry if I was late, father," Aeonar bowed. "You wanted to see me?"
"I did, yes. And just in time too," the king pointed at the growing assembly. "The lords here have come here to swear fealty to my heir. Now, are you ready?"
"Yes, father. I won't disappoint you."
"I know you won't, son. I know you won't." Viserys gripped Blackfyre and tapped the tip of the blade on the ground to get everyone's attention. "Grand Maester."
Mellos, now risen to the rank of Grand Maester following Runciter's death, unveiled a scroll and began to speak loudly. "Corlys of House Velaryon, Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark," he beckoned.
Lord Corlys, now serving on the small council as Master of Ships and Lord Admiral of the Royal Fleet, was the first to approach. He stared intently at Viserys and briefly at Aeonar before kneeling. "I, Corlys Velaryon," he began, "Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Prince Aeonar." He lifted his head. "I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the Old Gods and the New."
« My father told me that day that the Iron Throne is different than a dragon's saddle. More dangerous and unpredictable. Enemies will surround you unless you take the necessary precautions. But he also told me the reasons why Aegon Targaryen decided to invade Westeros and conquer it. It was to unite it against the coming darkness threatening to bring about an everlasting winter from the north. He called it 'The Song of Ice and Fire.' Whether I believe it or not, I cannot say for certain. Everyone has their theories as to what motivated Aegon the Conqueror to launch his campaign. »
"I, Hobert Hightower, Lord of the Hightower, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, and Voice of Oldtown, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Prince Aeonar. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the Old Gods and the New."
"I, Boremund Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Prince Aeonar. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the Old Gods and the New."
"I, Rickon Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, promise to be faithful to King Viserys and his named heir, the Prince Aeonar. I pledge fealty to them and shall defend them against all enemies in good faith and without deceit. I swear this by the Old Gods and the New."
One by one, the lords and ladies of Westeros swore fealty to Viserys and his son. Once the ceremony was complete, Aeonar turned to face his father.
"I, Viserys of House Targaryen," Viserys decreed, "the First of My Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, do hereby name Aeonar Targaryen Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne."
Aeonar turned to face the assembly, who bowed their heads in acknowledgment. He could see Alicent who gave him a reassuring smile to let him know he was not alone in the new challenges he was sure to face in his upcoming trials. Turning to his left, Rhaenyra stood beside him; to his right, his mother Queen Aemma. Momentarily excited, Aeonar's smile briefly dropped when he saw who was staring at him from the corridor...
His uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen - the Rogue Prince and rider of Caraxes the Blood Wyrm. Cunning, yet dangerously impulsive and unpredictable, some gossiped that Daemon was a threat to the realm and his older brother's rule. Aeonar felt his uncle's gaze staring into his soul - which frightened him. Daemon felt his role as Viserys's heir was usurped by his young nephew and didn't even bother attending before departing from the throne room.
Kepus...
(Uncle...)
« King Jaehaerys called the Great Council to prevent a war being fought over his succession upon his inevitable death. For he knew the cold, hard truth: the only thing that could tear down the House of the Dragon... was itself. »
Chapter End
Author's Note: With the birth of a son ahead of time, Aeonar Targaryen has quite the shoes to fill as heir apparent to a legacy forged by his ancestors. But there will be elements hiding in the shadows that will threaten to tear down House Targaryen. Keep in mind that this chapter is basically not considered a full chapter, but merely a prologue - a taste of what's to come in future chapters. I know many of you will likely have questions and I'll do whatever I can to answer them.
SpartanWolfj6: Well this was an interesting prologue, with Aeonar's mere existence a lot of things will change, so what shall cause division and strife within the house of the dragon? We shall soon see.
I have no doubt that will be able to pull this off. Update when you can.
Guest #2: I do wonder (as I assume something like it will happen) what the Dance will look like with Viserys having a son.
Presumably (and I hope) the Dance does not become a rehash of the Blacks vs Greens, just with the Blacks being centred around Aeonar instead of Rhaenyra. If Viserys remarries and has more sons then there is little solid justification they can make for the Iron Throne. Neither the inheritance custom of son before the daughter, or the precedent set by the Great Council, or the strong boy situation will apply in this scenario. And from what we see of Viserys I frankly struggle to envision a scenario in which he will disinherit Aeonar
The obvious conflict in this scenario seems to be Aeonar vs the Velaryons (the Blues?) through Rhaenys' claim, or perhaps Daemon (the Golds?) either independent or in cohorts with the Velaryons. Really I see a Velaryon / Daemon alliance being necessarily if they are to challenge Aeonar. In the case of Daemon aligning with the Blues I could see his thinking being: 1) he marries Laena; 2) ensure an 'accident' befalls upon Laenor (& even if nothing happens to Laenor, he may bet on Laenor not having any children); 3) with Laena being heir to Rhaenys he will effectively end up being king. Alternatively, Daemon could marry Laena and the Valryians back his claim to the Iron Throne.
What could be a big betrayal for Aeonar is if Rhaenyra goes against him, maybe joining Daemon in his bid for the Iron Throne or marrying Laenor thereby supporting the Blues. Rhaenyra going against Aeonar could also help stack things against Aeonar as from this early on it seems he perhaps should be in a stronger position than either Rhaenyra or Aegon II in their claims and level of support.
If it is a case of Blues that Aeonar comes into conflict with then perhaps the Baratheons back the Blues (being Rhaenys' big supporter during the Great Council), the Starks can be brought (like they were in canon by the Blacks) to back the Blues, and the Riverlands largely go to the Blues like they did for Rhaenyra with the Blacks. Something else to consider is perhaps Rhaenyra or Laena or Daemon or Laenor marrying into the Martells to bring Dorne against Aeonar. That would give Aeonar the Westerlands, Reach and Vale.
As for a bride for Aeonar I say Alicent would be the biggest shakeup to canon. It seems forced to end up with Viserys marrying Alicent: there is less pressure upon Viserys to remarry; Viserys is unlikely to marry Alicent if she is not directed towards him by Otto; and I do not really see Viserys marrying Alicent if he knows there is romantic feeling between her and his son. Besides those points 1) you have stated the two have a romantic relationship, and even greater so 2) it makes more sense for Otto to try and arrange a marriage between Aeonar and Alicent than Viserys and Alicent. Something else to consider is that Alicent could easily be betrothed/married to Aeonar even before any situation in which Aemma dies. Which gets onto another consideration, Aemma not even die when/like she did as the existence of Aeonar lessens the pressure for her to get pregnant.
Overall, my main advice is to avoid just making this end up being the Blacks vs Greens. It seems like a waste of the concept if things end up basically being exactly the same. Obviously it is your story and I am not saying do my ideas, just some ideas for you to consider. I look forward to seeing where this goes.
Guest #1: This is the best house of the dragon fanfiction I've read I hope you continue writing it
KratosBoy 2022: I feel like some people want Laena to be with Aeonar but just hear me out if Aeonar and Alicent are married then Aeonar wouldn't have to worry about Otto scheming behind his back. His daughter would be married to the heir to the Iron throne and will have even more power as the father-in-law of the next king. Instead of having her be married to Viserys just have the main pairing be Aeonar and Alicent. Also, I would think Visery would notice how close his son and Alicent would be and wouldn't want to marry his son's lover. Author, I hope this argument makes you see how this would make sense in the story but have a great day, and can't wait for the next chapter!
Peter Barker: Hi, I just found this, and I'm hoping Aeonar and Alicent are the pairings for the entire story. Let me explain it. It would make more sense if Otto has Alicent marry Aeonar instead of his father because when it's time for Aeonar to be king Alicent will be queen as well, and he'll be the father-in-law of the future king, and you said Alicent has a romantic relationship with Aeonar. Like I said before having Alicent being married to Viserys doesn't make any sense and she could be married to the man she actually loves and would marry. I hope this made some sense as to why this pairing would work and be better as well.
Rimmy: Nice, finally we're getting a house of the dragon oc story. Can't wait for the next chapter. Also, I say have Aeonar and Alicent be married because that would make much more since for Otto to have his daughter be queen and have more power. Another thing in the story it said Aeonar has a romantic relationship with Alicent and when his mother and baby brother dies Otto can tell Alicent to go comfort Aeonar and like I said before the in a romantic relationship and that's a bonus as well. I also want would just love to see an oc x Alicent Hightower story and another thing is that Her and Rhaenyra would still be best friends and sister in laws as well. But looking forward to reading more of this when new chapters come out.
C.E.W: Interesting story.
So Aeonar Targaryen is the firstborn son and child of King Viserys I and Queen Aemma, and therefore heir to the Iron Throne so no need to make Rhaenyra heir. Although Viserys I would still want more sons to secure his line which would explain Aemma dying and her and Viserys son Baelon later.
The odd thing about Viserys I marrying Alicent is, Otto Hightower in the show sent her to the king's chambers to comfort him and ensure he marries her. The thing is, Otto Hightower would've known that no matter how many sons Viserys would have with a second marriage, Aeonar would remain his firstborn and therefore heir.
I recommend that Aeonar marries Laena Velaryon, doing so puts an end to the succession despite between the Targaryens and Velaryons. Aeonar would have the might of dragons and a large fleet the Velaryons has. It would make sense that Viserys I would marry Aeonar to her. It would allow Aeonar to inherit the Iron Throne from a position of strength which will be needed against rival parties such as the Greens and the Blacks if they become a problem. Furthermore, Laena has an adventuring personality which makes her a more suitable partner for Aeonar when he goes to strike out.
If it comes to civil war, I'm sure Daemon would prefer Aeonar over any Targaryen who shares Otto Hightower's blood.
sniperbro1998: I really like this, If Aeonar gets with Alicent then Otto would support him thus changing a lot i'm really excited to see what happens next.
Dovahkiin: Ohhh can't wait seems exciting. I wonder if Aeonar will have beef against Otto.
For his dragon since you said it was the fastest I think the design is the same as the Skrill dragon from How to train your dragon but a lot bigger and instead of shooting fire it shoots lighting. Or maybe use the Skyrim Alduin design.
I wonder how he will build his spy network will it be similar to Varys or will it be more like blood raven?
Cant wait to see where this story goes!
codexrun: Not to knock your story or anything but the name choice Aeonar dosen't really sound like a valyrian name. A much better name would have been just Aenar Without the O. I will also pos a link to valyrian names that i use to help myself when trying to think of valyrian names when creating characters in CKagot or CK3 games. r/asoiaf/comments/mnok9r/spoilers_extended_a_list_of_every_valyrian_name/
jgs237: I think the same as the rest of the comments that Alicent will probably betray him. Wonder who he will marry. Hopefully he builds a bridges the animosity between the Velaryon and Daemon. I can see Aeonar having Daemon by his side and having Daemon being someone who actually protects him and does the dirty work so Aeonar reputation doesn't take a hit.
When should we expect an update?
―I'll try to provide an update as soon as I can; juggling work and other social/domestic requirements often take up most of my time.
Necros The Saiyan knight: I'm assuming that Alicent is the one that betrays him
Vandal55: This looks interesting. Really curious about what will happen. With Aeonar their shouldn't be any trouble about the succession except possibly from the Velaryons but they aren't strong enough by themselves to do anything about it.
daspeedforce: More!
Prince of Petersburg: A promising chapter. Not much can be tell by this first chapter but I guess we will see more later. I guess I'd wonder what will cause instability in this story, with inherit kinda solved, and whom the protagonist will end up with. I will say since it's Targaryens we are talk about I won't mind if you decide to pair him up with Rhaenyra, but for the sake of reduce the chance of creating mad men, let's maybe pick someone else outside of family. Like maybe even let's do what was done in original timeline, by unite Dorne through marriage with one of their princess?
Overall, well done! Eager to read more!